Public Path Orders
The Planning Inspectorate
We are an Executive Agency and we report to the Department for Communities and Local Government and the National Assemby for Wales. Our English Rights of Way Section deals with all public path orders in England which are opposed. The Section is based at:
4/04 Kite Wing
Temple Quay House
2 The Square
Temple Quay
Bristol
BS1 6PN
You will find more detailed information about us in the Chief Inspector's Annual Report and Accounts. You can get the latest edition from Government bookshops.
Our inspectors have a wide range of qualifications and experience. It is their job to look at each order. They are selected carefully and thoroughly trained.
Our administrative staff in Bristol are responsible for receiving the orders and papers from the authorities which make them. These staff also:
- make up the file which is presented to the inspector;
- answer queries;
- arrange site visits, hearings and inquiries;
- send out inspectors' decision letters.
The main contact for everyone involved in making and opposing the order is the case officer. If the decision is to be taken by the Secretary of State rather than our inspector, responsibility for processing the order will be transferred to the appropriate local Government Office. Usually this happens after an inspector has carried out a local public inquiry, hearing or site visit.
